Mini Reviews: Spring Romances

 

We are in the heart of spring, and what better way to embrace it than with a spring romance? These two romances have very different settings, but their unique environments enhance the romance beautifully.

  

The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn

Pages: 464 

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Georgie, All Along

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Physician Layla Bailey has spent over a year telling herself she's moved on from a painful but amicable divorce from her college sweetheart. Staying friends with her ex seemed like the mature thing to do, but when Layla is invited to her former sister-in-law’s destination wedding in Paris—where Layla once spent her own romantic honeymoon—she knows her commitment to maturity might be her worst enemy…especially since her ex isn’t attending alone.

The only thing that could make the week more difficult is getting through it without the distraction of the wedding.... But when what Layla thought was a harmless conversation about the choices of her younger self leads to the bride getting cold feet, Layla finds herself facing down the groom’s mysterious, taciturn best man, Griffin, who will do anything to make sure this wedding happens.

Since she broke it, Griff demands she help him fix it. Going along with his plan to alleviate the engaged couple's doubts seems like Layla’s best chance at maintaining a good relationship with a family she once called her own. But as she learns more about the past heartbreak that’s driving Griff to help his friend, she gets closer and closer to confronting the true depth of her own pain…while finding herself more and more willing to risk it all again for Griff."

 

 

Lydia Bailey is divorced but has always maintained a good relationship with her ex-husband's family. When her former sister-in-law, Sarah, begs her to attend her destination wedding in Paris, Lydia agrees. Although things have remained amicable for everyone, she is aware that her ex-husband, Jamie, will also be present, accompanied by someone new. Upon her arrival, Lydia inadvertently clashes with the elusive best man, Griffin. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to discover a surprising chemistry between them. Complicating matters further, after a girls' night out, Sarah expresses second thoughts about the wedding. When Griffin learns this, he believes that Lydia’s comments during their conversation contributed to Sarah's doubts. Determined to help, Griffin confronts Lydia, and together they work to sort out the issues surrounding the bride and groom. Additionally, having Griffin by her side provides Lydia with a buffer against her ex-husband. The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn is a slow-burning romance set against the captivating backdrop of Paris, which plays a central role in the story.
 
I liked Lydia from the start of The Paris Match. It's not often we get a mature, well-accomplished divorced woman as the protagonist, but I am here for it. I enjoyed her journey to Paris, her awkward encounters with Griffin, which blossomed into something more, and her beautiful time in Paris. Springtime is the perfect time to crack open a book set in Paris (I mean, look at that cover!), so if you are a fan of slow burn romances, this would be a good option for you. Admittedly, I did enjoy Clayborn's Georgie, All Along a little bit more, but overall, this was a solid romance.
 

 

 

 

Darling Daffodils Farm by Brittanee Nicole

Pages: 416 

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: March 17, 2026

Publisher: Putnam

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "They say you can never tame a wildflower...When aspiring pastry chef, Tally Darling, returns home to her family’s daffodil farm, the last thing she expects to find is a hot—half-naked—farmhand living in her childhood bedroom and running her late daddy’s business.

Jesse Walker might be gorgeous but he’s also infuriatingly grumpy. Walker has no time for Tally and the feeling is mutual.

That is, until Tally hears him moan over one of her signature salted honey cupcakes. And then discovers how good it tastes when they kiss.

As dewy April days turn into warm May evenings, Walker and Tally soon realize that there is a thin line between love and hate. But will their budding connection grow into something that lasts beyond one season?

 

Tally's father has recently passed away, prompting her to return home to her family's farm to help out. Once there, she discovers a mysterious and gruff cowboy living not only in her family's house but also in her room! It turns out he has come to assist on the farm at her mother’s request. Awkwardness ensues! Upon her return, Tally finds herself grappling not only with her grief but also with the new dynamics at the farm. She doesn't fully understand why Jesse, the cowboy, is working there, and she realizes her mother isn't being clear with her about it. The more time Tally spends with Jesse, who is her complete opposite, the more she starts to see that opposites attract. Their grumpy/sunshine romance begins to blossom, but Jesse is hiding secrets from Tally that are nearly ready to come to light. Brittanee Nicole's Darling Daffodils Farm is a sweet romance filled with a touch of spice, small-town charm, and the essence of spring.
 
A daffodil farm is just about the best setting you could think of for a spring romance, am I right? The small town charm just oozes off the pages, which was reminiscent of a Hallmark movie or The Dream Harbor series. But be forewarned! Darling Daffodils Farm isn't your mother's Hallmark movie; there are a ton of spicy scenes! So, if spicy romances are your thing and you are looking for a spring one, this has it all, including the usual tropes, but Nicole does a good job making them feel fresh and fun. 

 

 

Are you a fan of romances? Are any of these books on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

  

Mini Reviews: Holiday Edition (II)

The holidays will be here before you know it, but there's still time to curl up with a festive read. Today I'm sharing two new reviews that would be perfect additions to your holiday.  

 

 

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan 

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction/Holiday

Pub. Date: October 14, 2025

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Cafe by the Sea,

The Christmas Bookshop, and  

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McPherson, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McPherson family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.

But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.

Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time."

 

Mirren Sutherland is an antique book hunter thrown into a new job set in Scotland. She is tasked with helping Jamie McKinnon, a laird of a Highland clan, find his grandfather's rare book. His grandfather, a known hoarder and book collector, has been known to hide things and leave puzzles behind, and that's the case with this rare book. Jamie needs it as it should be worth a lot of money, which will help repair his family's estate as it is in a state of disrepair. Mirren is all about this task, until Theo Palliser, another known book hunter and rival, shows up on the train enroute to Scotland. This isn't a coincidence; Theo always shows up when there's treasure to be found. All three of them find themselves hunkered down in the Scottish estate during a snowstorm, looking for the rare book. Fans of Jenny Colgan and literary mysteries will especially appreciate The Secret Christmas Library.
 
It's not the holidays without reading Jenny Colgan's latest festive novel, and what is better than reading a book set during a snowstorm over the holidays in Scotland, all while searching a crumbling estate for treasure? Sounds like the perfect setting for a compelling literary mystery. My only gripe is that I wish there were some more holiday vibes, as it seemed very light in this department; however, the setting made up for it in the end. The Secret Christmas Library is a delightful holiday read for booklovers; the kind that is perfect for curling up by the fire.

 

 

 

The Mistletoe Kisser by Lucy Score

Pages: 336

Genre: Romance/Holiday

Pub. Date: October 21, 2026

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Things We Never Got Over

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Ryan Sosa, grumpy former corporate accountant, has had it up to here with surprises. He didn’t see getting fired coming. And he certainly didn’t anticipate flying across the country to the world’s hippie-est, happiest, most annoying town to save his great-uncle from some mysterious emergency.

Not only is there actual snow on the ground, but the town of Blue Moon appears to have decked its halls with elves on psychedelics. But he doesn’t have time to be snarky about the impending Winter Solstice and Multicultural Holiday Celebration—whatever the hell that is. Not when he’s got a farm to save, a free-range sheep that he may or may not have nudged with his stupid microscopic rental car, and some small-town veterinarian telling him she can’t take the animal off his hands.

Dr. Sammy Ames has a practice to manage and a fundraising crisis to attend to. She doesn’t have time to deal with a big-city grouch who doesn’t remember being her first kiss ever. Especially not since he wants to dump a sheep named Stan on her. So not happening. No matter how cute—and naked—Ryan is when he’s drunk.

Besides, as soon as he solves his uncle’s problem, he’ll be on the first flight out of Blue Moon, never to return again.

It will take a Winter Solstice Miracle or perhaps some matchmaking interference from the Beautification Committee to get these two to see eye-to-eye under the mistletoe…unless they got the Wrong Ryan after all.

 

 

Dr. Sammy Ames lives in the idyllic town of Blue Moon, and she is the beloved town vet. When Ryan Sosa enters her practice with an injured sheep, things start to get interesting this holiday season. Ryan is in town as his great-uncle called to ask him for help with an "emergency." Ryan, a corporate accountant who just got fired, decides to pick up and head to Blue Moon, despite not really wanting to set foot back into the "hippie" town. Ryan's uncle owns a farm, and he is in a financial bind. Who better to help him than Ryan, then? Ryan thinks he may have injured a sheep, which is why he finds himself at the vet, but Sammy can't believe that Ryan doesn't remember that they shared a first kiss many years ago! Even if they become friendly again, Ryan plans to hightail it out of Blue Moon the first chance he can, so why even entertain a possible relationship? But despite their best efforts, these two opposites share an undeniable chemistry in Lucy Score's holiday rom-com, The Mistletoe Kisser.
 
Who doesn't enjoy a grump/sunshine trope, especially during the holidays? I really enjoyed Score's portrayal of Sammy and Ryan's relationship and the witty banter. Plus, the adorable small town of Blue Moon was just wonderful and a perfect setting for a holiday story. It reminded me of Virgin River in that everyone knows everyone, and it's a bit rural in the best way possible. The Mistletoe Kisser took me by surprise this holiday. I really, really enjoyed it; it was the perfect rom-com to curl up with this holiday season if you like your romances to be a bit spicy and not closed-door. I enjoyed it so much that I am considering checking out book one in the Blue Moon series. 

 

Have you read The Secret Christmas Library or The Mistletoe Kisser? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

Mini Reviews: Holiday Edition

 

Whether you are in the mood for a magical romance that blends the supernatural with holiday cheer, or you'd rather lose yourself in a heartwarming family drama filled with laughter and emotion, these two novels have something for everyone.

 

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

Pages: 384

Pub. Date: October 21, 2025

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Lovelight Farms

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?"

 

 

Nolan Callahan is the Ghost of Christmas Past. He just wants to partake in his usual haunting this year and move on quickly. He is waiting for the next step, which he hopes is a peaceful afterlife. But when he gets his next assignment, Harriet York, he is confused. She isn't your usual Scrooge-type. She is a pretty good person, and the mistakes she has made in her life are run-of-the-mill. The more time Nolan and Harriet spend together, the more they understand her past and how he is connected to her. Of course, sparks fly between these two, but how could something substantial come from a relationship with a ghost? B.K. Borison's latest novel, Good Spirits, is a charming romance with lots of holiday touches and a lot of steamy moments; fans of her romances will not be disappointed.
 
I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, so I like this modern spin on the classic and imagining what it would be like if the Ghost of Christmas Past were charming and good-looking. Once I got past the paranormal romance aspect of the novel, and admittedly, it did take me a while, I started to enjoy it a bit more. If that isn't your thing or something you will easily accept, be forewarned. However, you can always count on Borison to give you a feel-good holiday romance, and fans of her romances know there will be some steamy scenes, too. Overall, Good Spirits is a delightful holiday read!

 

 

 

A Merry Little Lie by Sarah Morgan

Pages: 368

Pub. Date: October 7, 2025

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Snowed in for Christmas,

and First Time in Forever

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "This Christmas, the Balfour family will have more secrets to unwrap than presents… Becky is stranded at the airport, so when she bumps into her brother’s best friend, Will, and he suggests they drive home together, Becky reluctantly agrees. For the first time, Becky is dreading Christmas, and only Will knows why. Can she trust him to keep her secret?

Her twin sister, Rosie, married Declan after a whirlwind romance, and now the cracks are starting to appear. Rosie and Declan have agreed to hide their problems from her family, but Rosie’s insecurities are growing. Will this Christmas bring them closer or drive them apart?

Hayley can’t wait for her first Balfour family Christmas with Jamie. The Balfour Christmas traditions sound wonderful, but she’s worried about her place in this close-knit family. Will there be room for her too? And how will they react to the secret she and Jamie have been keeping?

Despite everyone’s best intentions, all the chaos and confusion could derail their normally happy holidays. Can they tell each other the truth in time to enjoy a perfect family Christmas?

 

Becky is on her way home to a traditional family Christmas, but plans are thwarted when she is stuck at the airport. Thankfully, she runs into Will, her brother's best friend, and they agree to drive home together. This pleases both families as they have always imagined Will and Becky would end up together. However, Becky is hiding a secret as to why she is dreading this family Christmas more than any other year. Then there's her twin sister, Rosie. She is newly married to Declan, and it was a whirlwind romance and quick marriage. But maybe things aren't so great between them? Going home for the holidays will make this complicated for the two as they work through their issues. Lastly, the older brother, Jamie, is heading home, too, along with his girlfriend, Hayley. Hayley is excited for a family holiday, as it is very different than the holidays she grew up with, so this will be an adjustment. She can't help but worry if they won't like her and how she will deal with such a boisterous family. On top of it, each sibling is holding onto a secret this holiday season, which complicates matters further. Sarah Morgan's A Merry Little Lie is a delightful family drama about a family with complicated relationships coming home together to celebrate and finally be honest with themselves, and one another.
 
I can always rely on Morgan's holiday novels to portray a complex family that you can't help but cheer for. Her representations of family dynamics are spot on and often hilarious, as she includes extended family members like grandparents in A Merry Little Lie. At times, it reminded me of The Family Stone, and I eagerly anticipated how each family member would confront their personal struggles. My only issue with this novel is the number of points of view; there were many, with each chapter switching to a different character, which became overwhelming. Nonetheless, it's a charming holiday novel for fans of who enjoy family-centered stories. This one is certainly filled to the brim with drama!

 

Are you a fan of B.K. Borison or Sarah Morgan? Have you read either novel? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Mini Reviews: Holiday Romances

 

Who can resist a holiday romance? Today, I’m sharing two books that deliver everything you could want in a love story—complete with unforgettable settings that make the season even more magical.

 

 

Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk 

Pages: 384

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: October 14, 2025

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Christmas Wish 

and On a Night Like This 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Laura and Callum have met exactly three times – once at a mutual friend’s wedding (Laura doesn’t remember), once at a baby shower (Callum doesn’t remember) and once right now – when Laura lets herself into his flat to find him exiting the shower completely naked (they both remember).

When Callum's parents walk in and mistake Laura for his mystery girlfriend, Laura has no choice but to play along, accepting their invitation to spend Christmas at home in the Scottish Highlands.

But then Laura's best friends show up pretending to be her family, and Callum's ex is invited, and as Laura gets closer to Callum, she can't tell if the increasingly sizzling chemistry between them is real or just a very convincing part of the act."

 

Laura, a doctor, doesn't have plans for Christmas, which kind of sounds thoroughly depressing. When a stranger's parents mistake her for the stranger's girlfriend, an adventure ensues. The stranger is Callum, a Scottish pastry chef, who is in a bind with his parents and his plans for the holidays. His parents want him to return home to Scotland with his girlfriend, Caroline, whom they mistakenly take for Laura. So, Laura goes with it initially, and to help Callum out, because a Scottish Christmas doesn't sound too bad, does it? The more time Callum and Laura spend together, the more their fake dating is pushed to the brink. Is Laura having real feelings for Callum, or is it just the idyllic Scottish Christmas complete with sleeper trains, cozy pubs, warming whiskey drinks by the fire, the highlands, castles, and more? Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk is an enjoyable holiday rom-com. While many parts of the story felt far-fetched, I suspended my disbelief, because that's what the holidays are all about, right?
 
I love all things Scotland, so I knew the setting would be a win for me in Christmas Fling. Plus, Lindsey Kelk always delivers a laugh-out-loud holiday rom-com, and that is what readers can expect with this one. Callum was giving Jamie Fraser vibes, so I really loved their slow-burning romantic moments as well as the fake dating that always leads to something more. There's a lot of miscommunication going on in Christmas Fling, but other than that, I thought it was a delightful holiday novel. I didn't love it as much as The Christmas Wish, but overall, it was charming with just the right amount of holiday spice.

 

 

 

Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding

Pages: 336

Pub. Date: October 28, 2025

Publisher: Gallery

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books by Author: Elizabeth of East Hampton

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic—she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere—but that goes out when the window when, thanks to her father’s bad spending habits, her childhood apartment in is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.

Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he’s been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he’s shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.

Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie’s fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again."

 

 

Anne Elliot broke up with Freddie Wentworth years ago when he took a new job overseas, and it still haunts her to this day. She is living a pretty normal life in New York City until Freddie enters the picture again. Anne's father mishandled their money and, in turn, has to sell their sprawling apartment in New York City. Now Anne has a whole new set of problems; plus, the buyer is none other than Freddie himself! Anne is at a crossroads in both her work and personally. Freddie, who just sold his company, is also at a crossroads. The more time they spend together as they both live in the same building, the more they realize that the sparks are still there. Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding is a wonderful retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion - perfect for fans of second-chance romances. 
 
As the story continues, readers will delight in Freddie and Anne's second chance at love and in figuring out what went wrong the first time around. Also, readers will appreciate the personal journeys that both Anne and Freddie are on in Anne of Avenue A. Anne's life was all planned out, but it has taken an unexpected turn at work, and she must deal with the ramifications, all while navigating Freddie's return to her life. One of the best parts of the book was the New York City setting during the holidays. This definitely added to the charm of the book. Fans of Bellezza and Harding's For the Love of Austen series won't be disappointed by this heartwarming retelling. Persuasion is one of my favorite of Austen's novels, and I think they captured the spirit very well.
 
 
 

Have you read Christmas Fling or Anne of Avenue A yet? Let 'em know in the comments. Also, Christmas Fling is on sale for under a dollar as an e-book, which you can't beat, so pick up your copy today for the holiday season.  

 

 

 

Mini Reviews: Small Town Holiday Romances

There’s nothing quite like a holiday romance set in a picturesque small town, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the two charming novels I’m sharing today. Both are brimming with delightful holiday details and cozy seasonal vibes.

 

 

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Jenny Bayliss 

 Pages: 448

Genre: Romance/Holiday 

Publisher: Penguin

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Kiss Me at Christmas  

and Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Fred Hallow-Hart isn't in love with the idea of returning home to Pine Bluff. But after a bad breakup and a subsequent eviction, she's fresh out of options. God knows she loves her mum and her eccentric aunts—and who could forget their Christmas Cracker family business?—but she's always felt a little out of place in her small town. 

Quickly roped in by her mother to help with the cracker shop, Fred decides throwing herself into work might actually be what's best for her. Until she reconnects with her old best friend Ryan, who is suddenly making her heart flutter in ways she's never known; and unexpectedly finds a spark with Warren, a charming journalist covering the Pine Bluff Christmas Market for the Daily News. 

But as these connections slowly lead Fred back to her heart, she's forced to confront some harsh truths, which, if she doesn't find a way through, might just ruin the holidays for those dearest to her. Can Fred let go of the past enough to recognize real love? And when she does, how far will she go to protect it?

 

Fred Hallow-Hart had it all going for her away from the small town of Pine Bluff, Scotland, where she grew up alongside her mother and her eccentric aunts. But her world comes crashing town after she suffers a breakup and an eviction. Reluctantly, she returns home to her mom, aunts, and her family's Christmas Cracker business. While at home, she decides to help her family's business by using her marketing background, as the company needs a lot of help to bring it up to speed. While spending time at home, she reconnects with her old best friend, Ryan, and even has a new connection with Warren, an aspiring food critic who is visiting Pine Bluff on assignment. Can Fred find love this holiday season, appreciate the small town of Pine Bluff, and move on from her past? Jenny Bayliss asks readers those questions in her latest holiday novel, I'll Be Home For Christmas.

 

My favorite aspect of I'll Be Home For Christmas was the town of Pine Bluff in cozy Scotland. I loved all the details and Bayliss does a great job of bringing it to life. I also enjoyed Fred’s mom and her quirky aunts—so many laugh-out-loud moments! The family’s Christmas Cracker business is a fun and festive addition to the holiday story. The romance was also strong, and I was rooting for Ryan and Fred to reconnect from the start as he is such a lovable character. Jenny Bayliss’s novels are always like putting on a cozy sweater on a chilly evening; this book is charming, delightful, and sure to put readers in the holiday spirit.

 

 

 

 

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore

Pages: 384

Genre: Romance/Holiday

Pub. Date: September 16, 2025

Publisher: Harper Collins

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "A wedding in Dream Harbor can only mean one thing, everyone wants to get involved!

With Jeanie and Logan set to tie the knot, and Kira desperate to hire out her newly renovated barn at the Christmas tree farm, everything seems to be going well. Annie has agreed to bake the cake, and Mac is responsible for, well… just being Mac. And as the whole of Dream Harbor comes together to celebrate the wedding of the year with the snow falling around them, can Annie and Mac put aside their dislike for each just long enough for the ‘I Do’s’ or is that one request too far…"

 

Readers return to Dream Harbor just in time for the holiday season and an exciting wedding between Jeanie and Logan. The town is buzzing with anticipation—Annie, the local baker, is in charge of the wedding cake, and Kira is set to unveil the newly renovated barn at her Christmas Tree Farm. Amidst the festivities, Annie and Mac find themselves thrown together again. Their banter and unresolved tension have lingered ever since high school, and now that Mac is back to run his family’s bar, the sparks—both old and new—begin to fly. As Jeanie and Logan’s big day approaches, Annie and Mac must work together to plan the perfect celebration. Interestingly, even their friends can’t quite remember the origin of Annie and Mac’s long-standing feud. With so much time spent together, will they finally lay the past to rest or discover that their chemistry might just lead to something more? Laurie Gilmore's The Gingerbread Bakery is a charming holiday novel filled to the brim with small town holiday details, and an enemies to lovers romance.

 

The narrative weaves in nostalgic glimpses of their high school years, offering insight into their complicated history in The Gingerbread Bakery. While I’ve only read The Pumpkin Spice Cafe from this series, it’s clear that Dream Harbor feels as cozy and close-knit as Stars Hollow—everyone knows everyone, and the sense of community is heartwarming for fans of this genre. Also, fans of the series will enjoy how the various characters overlap. The Gingerbread Bakery has delightful Hallmark movie vibes, making it easy to trust that everyone in Dream Harbor will ultimately find their happy ending. While the novel may be predictable, it’s cute and charming, making it a perfect holiday read—especially for those who love a sweet story with a touch of steam.

 

 

Have you read either holiday novel? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

Mini Reviews: Adult Fantasy Novels

October is the perfect time to curl up with some enchanting fantasy reads. Today, I'm sharing two adult fantasy novels. While I found both to be somewhat lacking, I don’t regret reading them. One features a captivating Hollywood setting infused with dark academia vibes, while the other is a romantic fantasy that exudes major Gothic elements, making it an ideal choice for the month of October.

 

 Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Pub. Date: October 7, 2025

Publisher: Orbit

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "It starts with a class in an old movie theater. Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.

With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her."

 

 

Holland St. James is enrolled in a college course titled "Folklore 517," taught by a mysterious professor. The class often feels more like a scavenger hunt than a traditional lecture, but everyone assumes that the content being taught is purely fictional. Right? Not quite. Through this course, Holland becomes convinced that she must track down the Watch Man, an elusive figure who supposedly reveals when you will die. Once she finds him, she is told some ominous news and she believes she needs to find the Alchemial Heart. Enter a mysterious stranger whom she thinks might assist her—though it’s uncertain if he will. Set against a Hollywood backdrop with dark academia vibes, Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber is a fitting October read, despite some parts feeling flat for me.

Alchemy of Secrets is the first novel I've read by Garber, and at times, I didn’t particularly enjoy her writing style. I found myself more invested in the fantastical journey than in the characters themselves. Some chapters are written in the second person, which initially seemed interesting but eventually became jarring. While the focus on magic and film noir provides moments of fun, the lack of character development detracted from my overall experience. Ultimately, it was just an okay read.

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig 

Pages: 432

Genre: Adult Fantasy/Romantasy

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

Publisher: Orbit

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Sybil Delling has spent nine years dreaming of having no dreams at all. Like the other foundling girls who traded a decade of service for a home in the great cathedral, Sybil is a Diviner. In her dreams she receives visions from six unearthly figures known as Omens. From them, she can predict terrible things before they occur, and lords and common folk alike travel across the kingdom of Traum's windswept moors to learn their futures by her dreams.

Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight Rodrick has no respect for Sybil's visions. But when Sybil's fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral's cloister is wrought with peril. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she'd rather avoid Rodrick's dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god."

 

 

Sybil Delling, also known as Six, is one of the "sisters" at the Aisling Cathedral, where they scry magical springs to interpret omens. As Six and her sisters approach the end of their time at the cathedral, they are eager to explore the world beyond its walls. However, everything changes when the new King of Traum arrives to receive his omen. Six receives dark, ominous signs about the future, and soon after, her sisters begin to disappear. Determined to uncover what happened to them, Sybil teams up with one of the King's knights, Rory. They are complete opposites, and Rory does not even value her work at the cathedral, which makes their partnership challenging. Nevertheless, Sybil is ready to leave the confines of the cathedral, venture into the world, and discover the truth about her missing sisters. Rachel Gillig's The Knight and the Moth is an epic romantasy set in a medieval-esque world filled with Gothic fantasy elements and rich atmosphere.

This is my first experience reading one of Gillig's novels, and I find her to be a fantastic writer. Her prose is lyrical and filled with vivid imagery, which brings the world to life beautifully. My only issue with the novel was the lack of character development and world-building. I struggled to connect with the characters, making the story feel slow-moving at times—except for the last 25% of the book, which raced forward at breakneck speed. The world-buidling was confusing for the first half of the book, which really impacted my enjoyment of the The Knight and the Moth. However, the character I enjoyed the most was Bartholomew, a gargoyle; he was truly the best! If you're looking for a page-turning romance, I believe the genre is oversaturated with good options, so you might want to skip this one unless you are a devoted Gillig fan.

 

Have you read either adult fantasy? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

 

 

Romance Roundup (4)

There are times when only a fluffy romance will do—especially if it also sweeps you away to a memorable setting. Both of these novels blend wonderful locations, heartfelt romance, and plenty of charm.

 

 

Insignificant Others by Sarah Jio 

Pages: 304 

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: April 1, 2025

Source: Publisher for review

Publisher: HarperCollins

Other Books By Author: The Look of Love

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Lena Westbrook, a perfectionist and workaholic, has carefully planned and orchestrated every detail of her life. So when her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her on the night she expects him to propose, she’s heartbroken and confused. Lena flees to her beloved aunt’s home on Seattle’s picturesque Bainbridge Island to lick her wounds and recalibrate. That night, she falls asleep in the guest house. But when she awakens the next morning, she’s no longer in a cottage nestled on the Puget Sound, but rather in a chic Parisian apartment—wearing an expensive silk nightgown in bed with a handsome French man who seems to think that Lena is his wife.

From the elegant neighborhoods of Paris to the charming landscape of Kinsale, Ireland, to the sparkling skyline of New York City, and many other unexpected destinations in between, each time Lena awakens, she finds herself somewhere else with someone else. In each experience, she’s given a glimpse of what life might have looked like had she chosen the “road not taken.” And as she becomes more clear-sighted about her past decisions, Lena begins to wonder, were any of these former romantic encounters actually...significant?

Marrying the wish-fulfilling romance of Emily in Paris with the high-concept premise of Groundhog Day, Insignificant Others is a lively, surprising, and enchanting novel that explores the relatable and resonant “what ifs” of life, but most especially, love.

 

 

Lena Westbrook is expecting to get engaged, but instead, her boyfriend dumps her. After years together, they want different things. Heartbroken, Lena escapes to Bainbridge Island to rest and recuperate at her great-aunt's house. But when she wakes up the next day, she is in a "different world." She is with boyfriends of her past - whether significant or not- and she gets to spend the day living the road not taken. She wakes up in Paris, Ireland, New York City, and other swoonworthy destinations, all the while learning what she has missed out on, and what her life could look like had she taken another path. Sarah Jio's Insignificant Others is a heartfelt time slip/time loop novel that fans of this genre will enjoy.
 
What really pulled me into the story of Insignificant Others was the different destinations and their quick pace. One minute you are enjoying a Parisian evening, the next you are in gorgeous Kinsale, Ireland. It bops around like this, which keeps readers interested, especially as they learn more about Lena's past and her relationships. It's an interesting concept and Jio does a good job bringing it to life, although it felt like I couldn't really dive into the characters as, other than Lena, her best friend, and her great-aunt, they kept changing. I also reminded me a bit of The Husbands, but Insignificant Others had a bit more heart than that novel in that it focused on Lena's past relationships and not just random men. However, it's a similar concept, which might take away some of this book's appeal if you are familiar with that novel. Nonetheless, this was a sweet story that I was glad to be lost in.  

 

 

 

Wild Love by Elsie Silver

Pages: 464

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: April 9, 2025 

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "She's been driving him wild for years. The good kind of wild. The bad kind of wild. But mostly, the kind of wild that comes with wanting your best friend's little sister and knowing you can't have her.

Forbes may have labeled Ford Grant the World's Hottest Billionaire, but all he cares about is escaping the press and opening a recording studio in gorgeous small town Rose Hill. Something that comes to a screeching halt when he ends up face-to-face with a young girl who claims he's her biological father. Now, he spends his days balancing business with parenting a sullen twelve-year-old, all while trying desperately to keep his hands the hell off his best friend's sister, Rosie Belmont.

After living in the city, Rosie came blasting back into town like a storm. Beautiful, messy, and chaotic. And one wide-eyed, desperate plea for a job is all it takes for Ford to hire her. He vows to keep her at arm's length. Tries to stick to scowls and grumpy one-liners. But with her, verbal sparring is a type of foreplay―friction that soon turns to blistering heat.

Ford knows damn well he shouldn't cross this line. But shouldn't and can't are two very different things. And the only thing he truly can't do is resist her."

 

Forbes is a billionaire, but all he wants to do is escape the limelight in his small home town of Rose Hill, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, and work in his recording studio. His life is pretty coapectic, until Cora, a twelve-year-old girl, shows up and upends his life. She claims to be his daughter, and she needs his help. On top of that, his best friend's sister, Rosie Belmont, is back in town, and he has been silently pining for her for years. Rosie has returned to Rose Hill, as she has lost her job and needs a safe place to land. Thankfully, with her background in business, Forbes hires her to work in his recording studio. They have grown up together and share many memories, but they have always been just friends, as in irritating one another as teenagers. However, Forbes has been there for Rosie more times than not, and that comes to the forefront as they spend more time together. They can't resist the chemistry between the two, but this relationship is the last thing either person currently needs. Wild Love by Elsie Silver is a steamy novel that is the start to a great series for romance lovers.
 

Let me be clear: this novel isn’t usually my type of read. However, I have started to enjoy traditional romance novels more and more. Wild Love took me by surprise. I thought Silver did a sensational job of developing the chemistry between Rosie and Forbes—it was smoking hot! This brings me to the open-door scenes: if you prefer your reads without a lot of steamy details, this book isn’t for you, as there are plenty! However, I thought they were well executed and not just added in as an afterthought. Also, I really enjoyed the plotline involving Cora and how she entered Forbes’s life. This definitely contributed to the character development. My only complaint is that the book is over 400 pages long, which seems rather lengthy for a romance novel. However, when I heard that the Rose Hill series was being adapted for Amazon, I knew I had to pick up a copy. I’m glad I did; it did not disappoint, and I’ll definitely continue with the series.

 

I’d love to hear what you think! Have you had a chance to read either Insignificant Others or Wild Love? Let me know in the comments below.